Join the Puerto Rico Beach Cleanup : One Trash Bag Challenge

Join the Puerto Rico Beach Cleanup : One Bag Challenge

Hey wild ones,

For over the past 12 years, I’ve walked the stunning beaches and rivers of Puerto Rico, carrying signs to raise awareness about the trash left behind by others. As I walk, I pick up garbage, stepping into the role of a self-appointed guardian of these sacred spaces. (please consider donating to my cause here.)

But here’s the truth: we can all be guardians of the places we call home. Whether it’s the beaches, rivers, parks, or streets—whether you’re joining the Puerto Rico beach cleanup or taking action wherever you may be in our world—our surroundings reflect who we are and how much we care.

That’s why I’m inviting you to join me in a simple yet powerful mission: the one trash bag challenge, part of the Puerto Rico beach cleanup—or wherever you may be in our world.

What is the One bag challenge?

Imagine this: every person or group visiting a beach, river, or park in Puerto Rico—or anywhere in the world—takes a moment to fill just one bag with garbage from their surroundings. Just one bag. It’s a small act with a big impact. Together, these little actions can transform our environment.

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook @radicallywild and tag your cleanup efforts with #Onetrashbaghallenge to inspire others. Invite your friends and family to join in, and let’s amplify the movement to keep our beaches and natural spaces pristine.

Why Puerto Rico Beach Cleanup Matters

Today, I saw over 100 people at the beach. Imagine if each of them picked up just one bag of trash—that’s 100 fewer bags polluting our shores. It may seem small, but collectively, these efforts create waves of change.

The health of our beaches directly influences the well-being of our communities and ecosystems. Participating in a cleanup—whether here in Puerto Rico or wherever you may be—plays a crucial role in safeguarding marine life, reducing pollution, and preserving the natural beauty that makes these places so cherished. Your efforts not only protect wildlife and habitats but also ensure these spaces remain pristine and vibrant for future generations to enjoy.

How to Flip the Script

Imagine a world where the roads you travel and the neighborhoods you call home are free of trash, replaced by the beauty of blooming flowers and thriving greenery. This vision isn’t a distant dream—it’s a reality we can create, one small action at a time.

Flipping the script starts with a simple yet powerful choice: picking up one bag of garbage. Begin in your own community—the streets you walk, the parks you visit, or the trails you explore. Each bag of trash you remove transforms not just the landscape but also the way people view and treat their surroundings.

By taking action, you’re setting an example for others, showing them that change is possible and contagious. A single act of care in one neighborhood can inspire others to follow, sparking a chain reaction of positive change that spreads across cities, states, and even countries.

This isn’t just about cleaning up; it’s about rewriting the narrative of neglect and replacing it with one of pride and stewardship. It’s about making the choice to see beauty instead of filth and to create an environment that uplifts everyone who passes through it.

Together, we can turn the tide. It starts with one bag. It starts with you. Let’s transform our world, one small step at a time.

Go Beyond the Cleanup

Protecting our planet doesn’t end with picking up trash—it’s about changing our habits to prevent the mess in the first place. Take your commitment further by embracing sustainable practices in your daily life.

Start by switching to reusable cups, fabric bags, and containers to reduce waste. Say no to single-use plastics like straws, utensils, and water bottles. Choose eco-friendly alternatives whenever possible, and shop mindfully to support brands that prioritize sustainability. Here i wrote about 11 reasons to use less plastic.

These small changes may seem insignificant, but they create a ripple effect that leads to a healthier planet and cleaner beaches. When we choose to live consciously, we not only reduce waste but also inspire others to follow suit. Together, our collective actions can drive the movement toward a cleaner, more sustainable world.

Feel the Difference

There’s something deeply rewarding about making a positive impact. Not only are you cleaning up Puerto Rico’s beaches but you’re also building a legacy—a future where generations can thrive in a cleaner, healthier world.

It all starts today. Be the change you wish to see, as Gandhi said. Together, we can make this happen.

Are You Ready to Take the #OneBagfulChallenge?

Don’t wait for someone else to act. Be the ripple that creates a wave. Take the Puerto Rico beach cleanup challenge today—grab a bag, pick up trash, and share your efforts on social media using @radicallywild and #OnetrashbagChallenge.

What else do you think we could do to contribute to change? Have you found creative ways to make a positive impact in your community? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts and start a conversation about protecting our beautiful planet.

The world needs your action now. Together, we can create a cleaner, brighter future—one bagful at a time.

Step up. Take the challenge. Be the change.Hey wild ones,